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INEC Dismisses Calls for Chairman’s Removal

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….Defends Compliance with Court of Appeal Judgment on ADC Crisis

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, describing them as a distraction and an assault on the commission’s constitutional independence.

In a strongly worded press release issued on Wednesday, INEC clarified that the Chairman’s appointment, tenure, and removal are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and not subject to the whims of any political party or interest group.

The commission’s reaction follows public statements by some political actors accusing INEC of partisan bias over its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment concerning the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC explained that it chose to obey the appellate court’s ruling to avoid a repeat of the situations in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials were removed by election tribunals due to disobedience of court judgments.

The commission further stated that proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC faction would have amounted to disobeying a preservative order of the Federal High Court, which restrained INEC from taking any steps that could render pending processes nugatory. The matter, according to INEC, is currently before the court for accelerated hearing.

“Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution mandates every person and authority in Nigeria to obey and enforce judgments of the Court of Appeal,” the release emphasised.

INEC also addressed allegations of undermining the multi-party system, pointing out that under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, it has registered and recognised three new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and National Democratic Party (NDP) — bringing the total number of active political parties in Nigeria to 22.

The commission described this as “an empirical rebuttal to any claim of a one-party agenda,” insisting it remains a neutral regulator rather than a participant in political competition.

On updates to party leadership records, INEC said its actions are guided solely by subsisting court orders and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, and it would not allow itself to be drawn into internal party conflicts.

Voter Revalidation Exercise Not Politically Motivated

INEC also moved to dispel what it called misconceptions surrounding the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The commission clarified that the decision to revalidate the voters’ register predates the appointment of Professor Amupitan and is a professional necessity aimed at sanitising the National Register of Voters, which currently contains data from 2011 to 2024.

The exercise, which is not a fresh registration but an administrative audit, seeks to address issues such as transfers, multiple registrations, and deceased persons. It will be conducted in phases across all local government areas and polling units, with digital options for ease of access.

INEC stressed that the revalidation is uniform and transparent, and “not targeted at any region, party, or demographic.”

Focus on Upcoming Off-Cycle Elections

The electoral body said it remains focused on conducting credible off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State in June 2026 and Osun State in August 2026, and would not be distracted by unfounded allegations of bias or collusion.

“Our allegiance remains solely to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people,” the statement declared.

INEC reiterated its commitment to free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, describing calls for Professor Amupitan’s resignation as misplaced.

The press release was e-signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman.

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JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’

To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.

Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.

The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.

His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.

During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.

Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.

“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”

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2027: Atiku Alleged Plot To Keep ADC Off Ballot

” We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”

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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, alleged a plot by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary to remove the ADC from the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Monday.

In the statement, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to use political and legal machinations to keep the ADC off the ballot in 2027 general election.

He said there was a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party aimed at ensuring that the ADC is excluded from next year’s ballot.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”

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2027 Polls: NDC Deregistration Cannot Stand – Peter Obi

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Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed the Kogi State High Court ruling in Lokoja ordering the deregistration of the party, describing it as a “bizarre temporary breakdown” that will not derail the party’s mission.

In a swift reaction on Friday, Obi expressed strong optimism that the party’s journey remains on course, insisting that while there may be detours, the final destination is non-negotiable.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, quoted Obi as urging NDC members and supporters not to be discouraged but to remain calm and focused.

The statement described the court ruling as “a hurdle, not a stop sign,” adding that the party’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the judgment with plans to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures.

“We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours,” the statement noted.

Obi called on all supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to “remain absolutely calm and focused,” reaffirming the party’s commitment to building a transparent, legitimate, and formidable political alternative for Nigerians.

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